Soon enough, Alex touched down on the surface of Mars for the first time in what felt like forever.
He and Mira alighted his ship, and he returned it to his spatial storage not long after.
Now, it was just the two of them left alone on the huge landing pad.
As the light faded, Alex surveyed the area, expecting a welcoming party or at least a small team to meet him and Mira.
Yet, to his surprise, only one figure stood by the entrance to the station's main corridor, hands clasped behind his back, his face etched with a solemn expression.
Principal Farnes.
Alex blinked, caught off guard by the familiar figure.
He'd known the principal as a fiery, spirited man — a figure who exuded a commanding presence and whose energy filled every room he entered.
But now, Farnes' usually keen eyes seemed tired, weighed down by something invisible but unmistakable.
"Principal Farnes!"
